Whenever an iconic entity dies in Branson, a part of it dies with the local folk. And it was no different the day the wooden- rustic roller coaster came down at Celebration City. Hedged on several sides by rope and wire, they pulled and they pulled until the roller coaster fell. The folks who filmed the event waited for nearly a day to get the shot of the coaster coming down. Celebration City which is owned by Silver Dollar city, decided it was time to demo. And demo they did. Some of the wood was donated to the church that resides inside the park of Celebration City. The Church Woodland Hills family church used the wood to make different items. And donated pieces to the congregation.More on the roller coaster here!

5 Branson Stars who sang their last note in Branson before being called home

If you had one place to die in this world, why wouldn’t you choose Branson. Well, these country music legends all played their last full show in Branson, Mo or had theaters. Some passed during the boom years, and some did a twenty year stint here. This is my list and I’m sticking to it. lol!
1} BoxCar Willie-he is number 1 in my book. He went out like no one else. Box had a theater here,on the majestic strip, and when he passed they closed 76 down. Yep! closed it down. A hearse containing Box’s body, crawled all the way down all 7 miles of that strip to Highway 65. I had never seen anything like this in my life. I thought it was an incredible salute to a great man. Who helped promote Branson in the 70’s long before it was anything and everything.
2)Andy Williams-did a lot for the sport that is Branson now. Also owned a theater on 76, and worked hard for over 20 years to promote this town, and has also been a doorway for other acts, such as the Osmonds. (Osmonds.com) He always owned the Mcguffy’s building right next to his theater and leased that out to them for 15 or so years. Until he took it back over and created,The Andy Williams Moon river Grill. His Mama’s pot pie was to die for.
3)Waylon Jennings-played the Lowe’s theater across from Roy Clarks on and off for a few years in the early 90’s before dying. I used to see his billboard and new he was a Country Music legend. His shows did Ok, but while Branson was just becoming a brand, his career was winding down.
4)Roger Miller-he passed sometime after his run in Branson. But he did some amazing shows. Telling stories about characters he’d know in the industry and did some comedy himself. Very nice to everyone and humble.
5)Conway Twitty has got to take the cake. The crooner, played a lot of shows, as he was quite a traveler around the three states doing shows. Conway Twitty (twenty) died on his tour bus in between shows, I believe of a Ruptured Blood Vessell. For some reason this always struck me kind of weird as I had met in a couple of times. Check out my other blogs by clicking the arrow at the top of the page!
6)For more stars who didn’t make it click here!

Bigfoot Sightings in Branson, mo

No its not the kind of Big foot that could kick the winter blues. But its still a good one, or great one. Bigfoot is coming. The ride and it will over look the luxurious 76 strip, and the 7 acres of Days Inn property. Giving visitors something to smile about. And plenty of internet video and pictures to boot. All of the approvals have been met, with maybe a few still left on the table over at the city. This project has been in the works for a while, and will make a fine edition to Branson. And bring some much needed excitement to Branson, once again.More on bigfoot right here We haven’t had any editions to rides on the stip, and guests have had to travel over to SDC to take a gander at taking a challenge of something like this. And with our roller coaster at Celebration being torn down, hopes of this kind of thing coming back, seemed slim.
Branson has always been known for safe, fun excitement, and this will be no exception. The area that it is going up in, has some amusement already budding there, and this will be a fine addition.

I was driving on 76 the other day, and I noticed a sneaky trick. One out of three hundred cars try this.

As you line up with all the other cards to make your left turn onto 76, from 65. There is always this one car that thinks hey I can cruise over here in this empty lane and then at the last minute work my way into traffic.And I won’t have to stay stacked up here in traffic. It happens a lot, and people do it all the time, form multiple places on this great U.S. of A.

Step 1-Pick your destination

Step 2-Decide where your coming from

Step 3-find a back road or side road that is congruent with where you want to go. And every time you visit, get familiar with taking those back roads and you can’t go wrong. Especially in the Spring and summer Branson can get pretty hot, and pretty crazy with traffic so each time you come, is another chance to get used to using Gretna road and fall creek road, and the new road next to Dixie Stampede. Happy travels from Bransonisfun.com Post your traffic tricks for Branson below and subscribe right here: Branson traffic tricks

Yep it was a shock to me to. Our old friend KMARt is closing over on 248. And boy will it be missed. But the upside is there are 12 weeks left of this sale ( I asked Murna the Cashier) and she gave me this number. And right now they are at

Branson Attractions that need to rise from the dead. Is there any life left in their eyes? That’s what we all say when we think some one is on their last legs. We get the paddles out, we pump them full of 10,000 volts, and we hope for the best. And that’s the way we feel at times in good ole Branson, Mo. Some of our great staples have been laid to rest, but might have a few years left in them, if we added a few volts. Here’s the list!bransonisfun.com
1)The Grand PalaceThis is my number one choice. Such a great place boasting of over 2000 seats, this was built back in Branson’s hayday. Beautiful on the inside and out. Many stars have played this historic venue, and we are hoping for the best. Sleep well, LAdy of Branson, sleep well.

2)Days Inn green Mountain drive–422 rooms and the most ground floor rooms in Branson ever. September days (the preferred days inn club) will never be the same. Now in bad way. This property was a huge focal point back in the boom.The owner now in Bankruptcy and foreclosure, this property has seen better days. We are hoping this hotel will open back up, real soon.This property also boasts of one of the biggest pool areas in Branson.
3)Melody Lane Inn–Near and dear to my heart (melodylanebranson.com) I’m hoping for good things for this property. 3.5 acres, built on a hill. This hotel was hit by the storm of 2012. 144 rooms all close to highway 76. Most has been demoed at this time, its main building with an apartment are still intact. A Branson staple since the boom, anything can be possible.
4)Tony Orlando theaterThis place was amazing. An apartment, a recording studio, all kinds of extra amenities. This place was heaven on earth. Tony performed his regular shows, and his Christmas show from this locale. Very large, spacious, and perfect for an upcoming show, the sky could be the limit if the right entertainer purchased this theater. Tie that yellow ribbon round the old oak tree, and see what comes our way!

5) The Gaslighter theater – This theater has been converted to a Jesus is Homeless facility. So it is no longer a theater, here is the original story:

Everyone has played here. The Platters,Sunny and the wild wild west, and on and on. Located on Gretna Raod, this theater has gone into extreme disrepair. Hoping someone can get this great location going again, but could be on its last legs as well. Two apartments in the back,and lots of storage. This could house someone, if the price was right. So there we have it. 5 Sleeping giants, that could get a fresh start, with the right buyer.

Homeless in Branson-Where do people who work in the area Live,Without a Home?

Extended stay is becoming more and more of a controversial issue in Branson these days. The concern stems from recent issues at several extended stay motels. And the concern for families that live and work in the area, that are living the extened stay life.
Families not able to afford deposits, and first and last in an apartment, sometimes become victims of the system. Branson has always needed a very strong workforce, in the housekeeping,restaurant and attraction venue. And some of the extended stay folks work in these industries. With the rise of crime in the area, and stemming from issues in the extened stay segment, Branson has to make some changes.
My suggestion would be to put a cap on hotels that are not extened stay, and holding them to that. Such as requiring the ones that are extened stay to get a special license, and be subject to inspection. Right now, I heard that the health department was so far behind that most extended stay properties don’t get inspected at all. Cooking in the room is a problem, and creates attention from the Branson Fire department. Put a cap on the properties that are extened stay, create some numbers, and start figuring out ways to help thes folks, and business find other alternatives for earning revenue. Than just feeding on these folks, and help the folks get out of their own ruts. Feel free to post and comment on this article, and here’s an article from the Branson Daily. Branson tri lakes article

What to do on a snow day in Branson, Mo. There is still tons of indoor stuff to do in Branson even though you are snowed in. When I used to live near 76 there were a ton of things to do within walking distance of my House. ( I love to call it House in Canadian) so lets get Crackin.

1)Fritz adventuresshould be crazy busy on this day. Its indoors and you can find all kinds of crazy things to do with the kids. From bungie style climbs, Rock walls, and mazes this should keep those kiddos busy.

2) Castle Rock-Indoor Water Park Anyone-tons of all day play, snacks and incredible rooms, this place could consume a lot of time for the day if your snowed in. If you have to take a snow sled to get there.

http://bransonisfun.com/branson-hotels-kids/ Kids Friendly Hotels

3)Grand Country-the Grandest of all Kids adventures when you snowed in. There is Miniature gold, shows, and an indoor video game parlor just for Kids, so check this out for sure.

4)Titanic-Now this could be worth a try, as it could be educational for the Kiddos as well as fun. And it looks Monsterous in the winter.

5)Ripley’s Believe it or not-Lots for the kids to see, its also indoors as well, and ranks on the education meter as well.

Top Places to get Married in Branson,MO

Top 5 places to get married in Branson, mo

This has been a fun article to write on the Top 5 Places to get married in Branson. And that time of year is coming up. And the Ozarks is just the place to do it. Get married (hitched) as they would say in certain parts of Arkansas or Missouri. From Beautiful Ozark Mountains, to rolling hills, to incredible skylines, Branson and the Ozarks can’t be beat. Here is a top ten list of exotic places to get married.

1)Big Cedar-is an amazing place to get married. And has really used the lay of the Land well to accomodate all kinds of travellers. They entertain guests well, in a certain type Mountain luxery. Worth a look if your bringing a once in a lifetime event to Branson. Located on highway 86, this is just a short trip away from all things Branosn. bigcedar.com

2)Chateau on the Lake-An Awesome place that hosts the 4th of July fireworks every year. The decor inside is amazing, and they are no strangers to hosting incredible events. With very large spacious meeting rooms, with a nice touch of elegance. The Hotel itself can handle all of your rooms for the wedding party, and has a nice Restaurant to boot. Worth checking out.

3)The Hilton Downtown-The downtown area near the landing has two Hiltons. One on the promenade and then the high Rise. With everything from Valley parking for your guests, to a Starbucks right across the street. Very large spacious meeting rooms from the convention center side, to escalators to help you avoid all of those stairs.

4)The Raddison-This is a great place, centrally located in Branson. Surrounded by so much to see and do, it is hard to imagine. A restaurant on site, large spacious meeting rooms and so much more.

5) Log Chapel of the Ozarks-located just north of Branson in a heavily wooded area, this economical opportunity is worth checking out, and perty. http://logchapelofthe

Branson hotels for Kids is a must research before you come to town. The Kids seem to get the short end of the straw sometimes, and there are lots of advantages to picking the right hotel. While searching for entertainment for Kids, as we all know Kids need to be entertained and challenged at the same time, and the right Branson Hotel will hit just the spot. I always do these in lists and organize the information in such a way to help you make the right decision. And there are quite a few hotels to list with indoor and outdoor pools, play lands and all kinds of attractions within walking distance.

1)Castle rock-this is a great hotel and is #1 on this list, as it has an indoor water park attached and is the place to be for Water fun. Its also the Newest of any hotel. Also its within several restaurants on Green Mountain drive. Florentinas is the first one that comes to mind. http://www.florentinasristoranteitaliano.com/ They have incredible italian food and are close to drive to, or for a nice long walk, in between all the water fun at Castle rock.

2. Stone Castle hotel & Conference Center-this is a great place and also the Home of Bransonisfun.com as I have my offices there. 3 gorgeous Castle-esque buildings, two pools, and a drawbridge. (What?) The Kids love this place, they also have a great breakfast. Read More here about secret Castles of Branson, Mo.

3. Grand Country-this place is huge and has multiple things for Kids to do. From Pizza to Video games to an indoor water park. Its right on Highway 76, and Qualifies as a great Hotel for Kids. One Caveat is its all consuming and your kids might not want to leave. So choose this opulent master piece carefully.

4.Lodge of the Ozarks-has a great indoor pool, a Restaurant, and is right next door to Ripleys Believe it or not, and the Hughes brothers. And don’t for get the Track, and the Ferris wheel. Amazing things for the kids to do while they are enjoying the great pool at Lodge of the Ozarks.

5.Welk Resort-this place looks amazing. Is a great Choice for a Kid Friendly Hotel, and is located on 165 across from Point Royal. indoor water park, food, events are also held here, and is close to Table Rock lake a must stay.